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IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY & LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
Executive Summary
5G will bring new and life changing technology developments that will usher in vast
enhancements to mobile technologies and applications. To enable these improvements,
data speeds and volume levels will exceed anything we have known before. In fact, 5G has
been touted as being one of the advancements that will forever change productivity and
economic activities in several industries.
Hand in hand with network improvements, location data and location intelligence have
become more sophisticated. Location Services have been key for communication service
providers for several reasons. One of which is to adhere to regulatory compliance both for
public safety and Lawful Interception (LI).
In 5G, the new Location Services architecture provides more network-based positioning
technologies that have significantly advanced and are far more precise. Completely new
techniques are used to determine vertical position (i.e., z-axis) and location data has
become a much more powerful tool for law enforcement agencies.
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IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
Introduction to Location Services
The excitement around 5G’s massive bandwidth, super-fast data and low latency, is also
spawning new use cases that drive the need for more precise and faster positioning
technologies. In the commercial and industrial sectors, autonomous vehicles and low-
latency remote control applications demand significant improvements in speed and
precision of location technologies.
In the U.S., the most influential government body driving mobile requirements is the
Federal Communications Commission (FCC). The FCC has been setting requirements for
device location for emergency services since the mid-1990s when it first required the cell
phone number and serving cell ID to be reported to the emergency services’ operator, or
public safety answering point (PSAP). Since then, as mobile devices have become
ubiquitous in our society, the FCC has gradually increased their requirement for both
accuracy of location and speed at which the mobile device is located.
In fact, per the latest benchmarks and timeline set by the FCC, by April of 2021,
“Nationwide providers must achieve 50-meter horizontal accuracy (x/y location within 50
meters) or provide dispatchable location for 80 percent of all wireless 911 calls.”
Additionally, “In each of the top 25 cellular market areas (CMAs), nationwide CMRS
[Commercial Mobile Radio Service] providers shall deploy either dispatchable location or z-
axis technology.”
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3GPP standards for Location Services (LCS)
architecture have evolved in lock step with these ever-
changing requirements. With each new network
generation, new location methods have been added
and previous ones improved.
The reality is that Global Navigation Satellite System
(GNSS) and LTE-based hybrid location technologies
are becoming insufficient to meet increasing location
demands and regulatory requirements. Thus, the push
for greater precision and options for positioning.
Indoor location is becoming a particularly important
FCC requirement. This is an area where GNSS is
unreliable, and LTE-based positioning methods are
not quite as accurate or able to provide z-axis
position.
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Figure 1Evolution of Location Services Technology in Communication Networks
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5G Location and Positioning Methods
The new entity, location management function (LMF),
is central in the 5G positioning architecture. The LMF
receives measurements and assistance information
from the next generation radio access network (NG-
RAN) and the mobile device, otherwise known as the
user equipment (UE). The transmissions occur via the
access and mobility management function (AMF) over
the NLs interface to compute the position of the UE.
Due to the new next generation interface between the
NG-RAN and the core network, a new NR positioning
protocol A (NRPPa) was introduced. This protocol is to
carry the positioning information between NG-RAN
and LMF over the next generation control plane
interface (NG-C).
IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
AMF Access & Mobility Management Function NR Next Generation Radio
gNB Next Generation NodeB NRPPa NR Positioning Protocol A
LMF Location Management Function RRC Radio Resource Control
LPP Location Positioning Protocol TP Transmission Point
ng-eNB Next Generation eNB TRP Transmission-Reception Point
NG-RAN Next Generation Radio Access Network
5G Location Architecture & Positioning Acronyms
Figure 2User Equipment Positioning Architecture Applicable to NG-RAN (3GPP TS 38.305)
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5G Location and Positioning Methods Continued
But what makes positioning in 5G so compelling,
starts with its inherent architecture. Generally, it is
expected that the new network density will play an
important role in achieving the demanding
requirements of 5G networks (i.e. high capacity, low-
latency). The inter-site distance of gNBs (or access
nodes) in such ultra-dense networks could range
from a few meters up to a few tens of meters.
Furthermore, these 5G gNBs are expected to be
equipped with smart antenna solutions, such as
antenna arrays supporting multiple-input multiple-
output (MIMO) techniques and beamforming. Such
antenna technologies are suitable for effective
communications. As well as accurate direction of
arrival (DoA) estimation, which in turn allows for
high-accuracy positioning.
Figure 35G Antenna Beamforming Technology
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5G Location and Positioning Methods Continued
3GPP allows support for more than ten standard positioning methods in NG-RAN, not
including A-GNSS. The various methods leverage other existing technologies (such as
Bluetooth beacons, WiFi APs, etc.), but also add new methods that leverage NR
technologies.
In LTE, the base station knows what sector a user is in, and the E-SMLC may be able to
compute an approximate location of the user using the arc intersections of the neighboring
cells (using their respective reported signal strengths). 5G antenna beamforming
technology slices base station transmissions into many spatial components just a few
degrees apart, providing far greater location accuracy. And these beamforming antennas are
not just horizontal but, are also two-dimensional arrays of antenna elements.
By identifying which vertical beam a user is occupying, we can also determine vertical z-
axis positioning. Additionally, higher frequencies allow for higher resolution of
beamforming. With 5G deployments into millimeter Wave (mmWave) frequencies (28GHz
and higher), a gNB sector will be divided into many beams that are even fewer degrees
apart, resulting in even greater accuracy in both horizontal and vertical dimensions.
IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
ng-NB
Figure 45G Antenna Beamforming Technology for Z Axis
Impact of 5G Architecture on Public Safety
One objective with 5G standards was to improve positioning accuracy and to provide
methods that rival A-GNSS in reliability. This is critical as we are now almost 100%
dependent on wireless connectivity, which means it is also our primary means of
communication when indoors.
A-GNSS is not reliable indoors, especially in dense urban areas or deep underground. In
an emergency call, the PSAP is expecting the network and device to report the most
accurate position possible for the caller’s device, in the quickest time possible. If the caller
is outdoors, there is a high degree of probability that a GNSS-based position will be
reported in about 30 seconds or less. If indoors, however, the UE may require more time
to generate GNSS measurements for position calculation, if able to do so at all.
If it cannot, the network fallback location methods (such as Enhanced Cell ID, or just plain
Cell ID) may not produce a dispatchable location if the error radius is too large (i.e., several
city blocks).
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Impact of 5G Architecture on Public Safety Continued
5G reduces the dependency on A-GNSS for precise location. With 5G, a caller can be
located without A-GNSS (if unavailable) to a precise level, and if located in a high-rise
building, potentially identify the floor level (with an acceptable level of confidence).
In a IEEE whitepaper, researchers determined that with dense antenna distribution and using
a signals direction of arrival (DoA), they could determine the device’s location to a sub-2-
meter accuracy 90% of the time. This was previously unattainable without the use of A-GNSS
positioning, even in the best of cases. In a dire situation, an Emergency Services operator’s
ability to accurately locate a caller quickly and with high confidence could mean the
difference between life and death.
IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
Impact of 5G Location on Lawful Interception
Just like in location information used for public safety, the accuracy of location information
plays a critical role in the area of lawful interception. Mobile Network Operators must
respond to legal law enforcement requests for information regarding a suspect of interest’s
communication records. Both 3GPP and ETSI have standards established for Lawful
Interception that define the interfaces for mediation nodes and the communication data that
can be intercepted.
In addition to communication content for example, a law enforcement agency (LEA) can also
request the current geographic location information of the suspect. Such information could
therefore include what location the suspect was when telecommunications activity occurred.
The Standards allow for “Privacy Overrides” in cases of emergency or lawful interception
location requests. However A-GNSS, or other device-based positioning methods, can still be
blocked by the UE (depending on implementation) at all times. The only exception being
during an emergency call. Outside of such a scenario, law enforcement must depend on the
network-based positioning methods to locate the device.
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Impact of 5G Location on Lawful Interception Continued
As previously mentioned, the legacy networks did not
provide highly accurate positioning methods outside of
A-GNSS. And because the list of positioning methods
available in 5G is so numerous, several options are still
available if for example, an operator has not deployed
beam forming technology throughout its network.
The density of deployments of 5G access nodes simply
will allow much more precise E-CID position than in
previous generation networks. This alone improves the
location accuracy by several orders of magnitude.
IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
Figure 5Lawful Intercept Location Data Handoff to Law Enforcement Agencies
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Conclusion
Location data has become increasingly important as
communication networks have evolved, and 5G is no
exception.
If correctly implemented, 5G networks and their location
platforms will expedite the interception and delivery of
location data, while at the same time improving its
accuracy. For example, first responders will know the
exact floor where a victim is located, while law
enforcement agencies will have real-time visibility into a
criminal's movements.
From the perspective of Public Safety, 5G location is a
significant step in the right direction. Because 5G will
be more accurate, dependable, and relies less on the
hit-or-miss handset-based location technologies, it will
improve efficiency when dispatching a first responder
and increase the reliability of location data used by
intelligence agencies.
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IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
Next Steps
While 5G technology is still evolving and at various levels of implementation globally, it
brings benefits and challenges. To determine if your Location Services platform is ready for
5G, we recommend the following:
• Spend time with leading providers of LBS and Location Services platforms to understand
the new technologies available, as well as the emerging solutions.
• Review your network architecture today, its various ng-NB deployment options, and your
country’s regulatory compliance obligations.
• Evaluate various Lawful Interception providers and the differences between their
technology, ability to adhere to the standards and regulations appropriate to your country
of operation, and how they can leverage your 5G network to meet those regulations.
5G will change the future and how CSPs handle Lawful Interception requirements. CSPs
need to take the first steps toward understanding the impact and solutions available to assure
consistent compliancy.
For more information regarding SS8’s
mediation and interception products,
please visit www.ss8.com or email us at
[email protected]. Additionally, you can
follow @SS8 on Twitter or
https://www.linkedin.com/company/ss8/
on LinkedIn.
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About the Author
As SS8’s lead Location Solutions Architect, Michael Gebretsadik plays an integral role
in the company’s strategic go to market direction, product design and implementation
decisions. With nearly 20 years of experience in telecommunications and location
technology, he has thorough understanding network architecture, design and wireless
location tracking technologies. Michael can be reached at [email protected] and
LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-gebretsadik
About SS8 Networks, Inc.SS8 provides Lawful Intelligence platforms. They work closely with leading intelligence
agencies, communication providers, law enforcement agencies and standards bodies.
Their technology incorporates the methodologies discussed in this blog. Xcipio® is
already proven to meet the very high demands of 5G and high volumes of intercepts
and provides the ability to transcode (convert) between lawful intercept handover
versions and standard families. Intellego® natively supports ETSI, 3GPP and CALEA
handovers, as well as national variants. Both product portfolios are used worldwide for
the capture, analysis and delivery of data for the purposes of criminal investigations.
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Resources
1. Indoor Location Accuracy Timeline and Live Call Data Reporting Template https://www.fcc.gov/public-safety-and-homeland-security/policy-and-licensing-division/911-services/general/location-accuracy-indoor-benchmarks
2. High-Efficiency Device Positioning and Location-Aware Communications in Dense 5G Networks https://arxiv.org/abs/1608.03775v3
3. 3rd Generation Partnership Project “Technical Specification Group Services and System Aspects: Release 16” July 3, 2020. https://www.3gpp.org/release-16
4. 3rd Generation Partnership Project “5G System (5GS) Location Services (LCS); Release 16” 3GPP TS 23.273 v16.5.0 (2020-12)
5. 3rd Generation Partnership Project “User Equipment (UE) Positioning in NG-RAN (Rel 16)” 3GPP TS 38.305 v16.3.0 (2020-12)
6. 3rd Generation Partnership Project “Lawful Interception Architecture and Functions (Rel 16)” 3GPP TS 33.107 v16.0.0 (2020-07)
7. ETSI Technical Specification “Lawful Interception (LI); Requirements of Law Enforcement Agencies” ETSI TS 101.331 v1.6.1 (2020-10)
Copyright ©2020 SS8 Networks, Inc
SS8 Networks Inc.
750 E. Tasman Drive
Milpitas, CA 95035
SS8, the SS8 logo, Intellego and Xcipio are trademarks of SS8 Networks, Inc. All other trademarks mentioned in this document are the property of their respective owners.
This document is current as of the initial date of publication and may be changed by SS8 at any time. Not all offerings are available in every country.
THE INFORMATION IN THIS DOCUMENT IS PROVIDED “AS IS” WITHOUT ANY WARRANTY, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, INCLUDING WITHOUT ANY WARRANTIES OF MERCHANTABILITY, FITNESS FOR A PARTICULAR PURPOSE AND ANY WARRANTY OR CONDITION OF NON-INFRINGEMENT.
This report is intended for general guidance only. It is not intended to be a substitute for detailed research or the exercise of professional judgment. SS8 shall not be responsible for any loss whatsoever sustained by any organization or person who relies on this publication.
The data used in this report may be derived from third-party sources and SS8 does not independently verify, validate or audit such data. The results from the use of such data are provided on an “as is” basis and SS8 makes no representations or warranties, express or implied.
IMPACT OF 5G ON LOCATION ACCURACY AND LAWFUL INTERCEPTION
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